Hematology for Nurses Course

Lesson 1 • Blood Composition and Functions

Covers plasma, formed elements, and their distinct roles in homeostasis. Provides the anatomical baseline for all subsequent hematology content.

Lesson 2 • Hematopoiesis and Bone Marrow

Explains blood cell development from pluripotent stem cells through mature lineages. Links marrow health to clinical blood count findings.

Lesson 3 • Thrombopoiesis and Platelet Biology

Covers megakaryocyte development and platelet production, structure, and activation. Establishes the cellular basis for hemostasis chapters.

Lesson 4 • Leukopoiesis and Immune Defense

Describes granulocyte, monocyte, and lymphocyte development and their immune roles. Prepares nurses to interpret differential counts clinically.

Lesson 1 • CBC Panel Components Overview

Introduces each CBC parameter, its unit of measure, and reference range. Anchors interpretation skills to standardized laboratory reporting.

Lesson 2 • Red Cell Indices in Depth

Explains MCV, MCH, MCHC, and RDW and their diagnostic significance. Enables nurses to classify anemias before physician confirmation.

Lesson 3 • Peripheral Blood Smear Basics

Introduces smear preparation, staining, and morphology review as a complement to automated CBC. Helps nurses understand when smear review is ordered.

Lesson 4 • Differential White Cell Count

Teaches absolute versus relative differential values and their clinical meaning. Connects shifts in cell populations to infection, inflammation, or malignancy.

Lesson 1 • Anemia of Chronic Disease

Distinguishes anemia of chronic disease from iron deficiency using hepcidin and inflammatory markers. Guides nurses in managing underlying conditions.

Lesson 2 • Anemia Classification Framework

Organizes anemias by mechanism and morphology using a two-axis framework. Provides a decision tool nurses apply throughout patient assessment.

Lesson 3 • Iron Deficiency Anemia

Covers etiology, laboratory findings, and treatment of the most common anemia worldwide. Nurses will manage oral and IV iron therapy safely.

Lesson 4 • Hemolytic Anemias Overview

Introduces intrinsic and extrinsic hemolysis, key lab markers, and nursing priorities. Prepares nurses to recognize acute hemolytic crises early.

Lesson 1 • Sickle Cell Crisis Management

Covers assessment and nursing management of vaso-occlusive, aplastic, and sequestration crises. Nurses will prioritize pain, hydration, and oxygenation interventions.

Lesson 2 • Hereditary Spherocytosis and Elliptocytosis

Covers red cell membrane defects causing chronic hemolysis and splenomegaly. Nurses will monitor for aplastic crises and post-splenectomy risks.

Lesson 3 • Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency

Explains oxidative hemolysis triggers and the enzyme deficiency mechanism. Nurses will identify and eliminate precipitating agents in at-risk patients.

Lesson 4 • Thalassemia Syndromes

Differentiates alpha and beta thalassemia by severity and transfusion requirements. Nurses will manage chelation therapy and transfusion-related complications.

Lesson 1 • Primary Hemostasis and Platelet Plug

Describes vascular injury response, platelet adhesion, activation, and aggregation. Establishes the first line of bleeding control as a foundation for coagulation.

Lesson 2 • Coagulation Laboratory Tests

Covers PT, INR, aPTT, thrombin time, fibrinogen, and mixing studies. Nurses will interpret results to guide anticoagulation and bleeding management.

Lesson 3 • Hemophilia A and B Nursing Care

Covers factor VIII and IX deficiencies, severity classification, and replacement therapy. Nurses will manage bleeding episodes and home infusion education.

Lesson 4 • Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation

Explains DIC pathophysiology, triggering conditions, and the simultaneous clotting and bleeding paradox. Nurses will monitor labs and deliver supportive care.

Lesson 5 • Secondary Hemostasis and Coagulation Cascade

Explains intrinsic, extrinsic, and common pathways leading to fibrin clot formation. Connects pathway steps to PT, aPTT, and factor assay interpretation.

Lesson 1 • Bleeding Complications and Reversal

Addresses recognition and management of major bleeding events during anticoagulation. Nurses will initiate reversal protocols and coordinate emergency response.

Lesson 2 • Direct Oral Anticoagulants

Covers factor Xa and thrombin inhibitors, fixed dosing, and renal dose adjustments. Nurses will manage adherence, missed doses, and reversal agent use.

Lesson 3 • Warfarin Therapy and INR Management

Explains vitamin K antagonism, INR targets, and factors affecting warfarin stability. Nurses will educate patients on diet, drug interactions, and self-monitoring.

Lesson 4 • Pathophysiology of Thrombosis

Applies Virchow's triad to explain DVT, PE, and arterial thrombosis formation. Connects risk factors to targeted prevention strategies in clinical settings.

Lesson 1 • Chemotherapy-Induced Cytopenias

Addresses neutropenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia as expected chemotherapy toxicities. Nurses will apply nadir timing knowledge to prevent and manage complications.

Lesson 2 • Lymphoma Types and Staging

Covers Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma classification, staging systems, and B symptoms. Nurses will support staging procedures and patient education.

Lesson 3 • Tumor Lysis Syndrome Prevention

Covers metabolic derangements of tumor lysis syndrome and high-risk patient identification. Nurses will implement hydration, allopurinol, and rasburicase protocols.

Lesson 4 • Leukemia Classification and Presentation

Differentiates acute and chronic leukemias by cell lineage, onset, and CBC findings. Nurses will identify early warning signs prompting urgent evaluation.

Lesson 1 • Blood Products and Indications

Describes packed red cells, platelets, FFP, cryoprecipitate, and albumin with clinical indications. Nurses will select appropriate products based on patient deficits.

Lesson 2 • Delayed Transfusion Reactions

Covers delayed hemolytic reactions, TRALI, transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease, and iron overload. Nurses will recognize delayed presentations and escalate appropriately.

Lesson 3 • Pre-Transfusion Checks and Administration

Covers type and screen, crossmatch, bedside verification, and infusion rate guidelines. Nurses will perform all safety checks to prevent wrong-blood-in-tube errors.

Lesson 4 • Special Transfusion Considerations

Addresses irradiated, leukoreduced, and CMV-negative products for immunocompromised patients. Nurses will apply product modification criteria to protect vulnerable populations.